Minneapolis, along with its “twin” city St. Paul, provides an ideal combination of culture, nature and gastronomy to plan your next event. Known as the Flour Milling Capital of the World for more than 50 years, Minneapolis became a major U.S. city with its more than 20 stone flour mills in the late 1800s, powered by the extraordinary 50-foot drop of St. Anthony Falls. What started out as family-owned Gold Medal Flour and Pillsbury is now part of today’s food conglomerate, General Mills.
Thoughtful infrastructure
Headquarters to many major manufacturing companies, such as 3M, Cargill and General Mills, as well as popular consumer goods companies, such as Best Buy and Target, the Minneapolis-St. Paul area has the infrastructure to provide a first-class experience. As Delta Airlines’ second largest U.S. hub, many direct flights connect the area domestically and internationally. And, no need to be scared away from the Minnesota winters as Minneapolis boosts the world’s longest stretch of “skyways”—more than 10 miles of second-level enclosed pathways connecting around 80 city blocks.
We can’t forget the Mall of America, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the U.S. Groups can enjoy an afternoon of shopping, more than 28 rides in the indoor theme park and an aquarium, before ending the day dining at one of the myriad of restaurants throughout the four levels. Mall of America was even an early innovator around green initiatives. Its more than 5.6 million square feet has no central heating; the temperature is kept at a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit with solar energy from 1.2 miles of skylights and heat generated from lighting, store fixtures and body heat. More than 30,000 live plants and 400 live trees act as natural air purifiers.
Outdoors paradise
The area is a boon for nature-lovers. Along with St. Anthony Falls, the 53-foot Minnehaha Falls is part of a 193-acre park featuring limestone bluffs and overlooks onto the Mississippi River. The Chain of Lakes—five lakes connected as one—makes a great afternoon for kayaking, paddleboarding or pedal boating. Lake Minnetonka, made famous by Prince in Purple Rain, is a haven for boating and fishing. And, not just in the summer! Ice fishing is a unique excursion for many attendees.
The 40-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry and 39 other permanent installations, was one of the first urban sculpture gardens and inspired the creation of many others. Groups can tour the outdoor Garden before finishing in the adjacent Walker Art Center, one of the most-visited modern and contemporary art museums.
Booming arts scene
The renowned Guthrie Theatre draws exceptional artists to perform the classics each year. Opened in 1963, it won a 1982 Tony Award for Outstanding Contribution to the American Theatre. Minneapolis-St. Paul was also home to many creative minds, including Prince, Bob Dylan, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Charles Schulz. In St. Paul, take a walking tour where Fitzgerald wrote his first novel and see Charlie Brown, Snoopy and more Peanuts characters come to life in bronze statues. Prince fans can tour his home, Paisley Park, which is now a museum of his life, before heading to First Avenue, the club that gave him his start, was a main location in “Purple Rain” and is still a thriving Minneapolis music club showcasing emerging and established acts.
Culinary delights
From award-winning chefs to can’t-miss diners, there is something for every taste bud. Who originated the Jucy Lucy hamburger may cause an argument between two Minneapolis diners, but there is no argument about the delights of its mouth-watering oozing of cheese—warning, multiple napkins may be needed! Celebrity chef and adopted Minnesotan, Andrew Zimmern, does not miss a day of “The Great Minnesota Get-Together", the second largest State Fair in the U.S., which boasts more than 500 foods ranging many ethnicities and palates. For more upscale fare, Gavin Kaysen’s Spoon and Stable and Demi are recipients of national awards and his newly opened Mara is one of the most sought-after reservations.
Many hotel brands call Minneapolis-St. Paul home. To highlight just a few:
- InterContinental Saint Paul: The only area hotel located on the Mississippi River, sleeping and meeting rooms offer beautiful panoramic views. It also sits above historic caves popular with mobsters and speakeasies during Prohibition with its rail hub and proximity to Canada. The Wabasha Street Caves are just a short walk away, providing a unique group off-site dinner.
- The St. Paul Hotel: Built in 1910, the area’s first area luxury hotel has hosted some of America’s most defining figures, including President Kennedy and aviator Charles Lindbergh, and even employed a young Lawrence Welk as resident performer. From the front door, attendees step directly into Rice Park, home to many seasonal events, and is just a short walk from a vast number of museums, restaurants and theaters.
- Hilton Minneapolis: The state's largest hotel with 821 rooms across 25 stories has an impressive entrance featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and a curated art collection showcasing Minnesota landmarks. The hotel offers extensive event facilities, including a 25,000-square-foot ballroom and 35 meeting rooms.
- Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown: Situated in the heart of downtown, the Radisson Blu offers modern accommodations with a touch of Scandinavian design. Guests can enjoy amenities, including an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and proximity to popular attractions, such as the Nicollet Mall and U.S. Bank Stadium. The hotel's central location ensures easy access to Minneapolis' vibrant arts and culture scene.
No matter the season, The Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul is an ideal destination for your next meeting or event. Whether your group likes to explore the outdoors or pick out the perfect gift at one of the 520 stores at Mall of America, there is a highlight for everyone upon their return home. CWT has been proud to call this our home for more than 30 years—we are experts in planning the perfect itinerary!
Blog author: Erin Bluem